Imagine a big, bustling city, full of people. The air is thick with excitement, and everyone’s talking about someone special coming to town. This wasn’t just anyone; it was Jesus! Today, we’re going to learn about a very special day called Palm Sunday, a day when Jesus got a royal welcome.
What is Palm Sunday?
Palm Sunday is the Sunday before Easter. It’s the beginning of Holy Week, a week where Christians remember the last few days of Jesus’s life before he died and came back to life (Easter). Palm Sunday tells us about Jesus’s grand entrance into the city of Jerusalem.
Note: Click the blue text to see the links for more activities for Kids.
The Story: Jesus’s Arrival (Matthew 21:1-11)
As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, “Go to the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt by her. Untie them and bring them to me. If anyone says anything to you, say that the Lord needs them, and he will send them right away.” This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet:
“Say to Daughter Zion, ‘See, your king comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey, and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’ ”
The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them. They brought the donkey and the colt and placed their cloaks on them for Jesus to sit on. A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road.
The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, “Hosannato the Son of David!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”“Hosanna in the highest heaven!”
When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, “Who is this?” The crowds answered, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.
The People’s Celebration:
The people shouted, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest heaven!”
“Hosanna” is a special word that means “save us!” or “praise God!” The people were praising Jesus and welcoming him like a king.
Why Palm Branches?
Palm branches were a symbol of victory and celebration in those days. When people welcomed a king or a hero, they waved palm branches. So, when the people waved palm branches for Jesus, it was like they were saying, “Welcome, King Jesus!”
Why a Donkey?
Jesus riding a donkey was a sign of peace. Kings usually rode on warhorses to show their power. But Jesus came to bring peace, not war. By riding a donkey, he was showing everyone that he was a king of peace.
What Does it Mean for Us?
Palm Sunday reminds us that Jesus is our King. He deserves our praise and our worship. Even though we don’t have palm branches to wave today, we can still praise him in our hearts and with our words.
Coloring Page for Kids
Activities for Kids:
- Palm Branch Crafts:
- Have the kids make their own palm branches out of green construction paper. They can cut out the shapes and decorate them with glitter or markers.
- “Hosanna” Song:
- Teach the kids a simple song about Palm Sunday, like “Hosanna, Loud Hosanna.”
- Role-Playing:
- Act out the story of Jesus’s arrival. Have some kids be the disciples, some be the crowd, and one be Jesus.
- Donkey Drawing:
- Have the kids draw pictures of Jesus riding on a donkey.
- Story sequencing:
- Have images representing the story of Palm sunday, and have the children put them into the correct sequence.
Key Takeaways:
- Jesus is our King.
- We praise Jesus because he is special.
- Jesus came in peace, riding a donkey.
- Palm Sunday is the beginning of Holy Week, leading to Easter.
Reflection:
Ask the kids:
- How did the people feel when Jesus came to Jerusalem?
- Why do we celebrate Palm Sunday?
- How can we show Jesus that he is our King?
Closing Prayer:
“Dear Jesus, thank you for coming to Jerusalem. Thank you for being our King. We praise you and love you. Help us to always remember your love. Amen.”
By making Palm Sunday interactive and engaging, kids can learn the important message of Jesus’s royal welcome and the beginning of Holy Week.